Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-01-19


tax dogs; to reduce the number of
grand jurors from eighteen to twelve;
to provide a department in the peni-
tertiary for criminals insane; t. pro-
hibit the holding of railway passes by
State officers and judges, and forbid
railways to issue passes to such persons.
A bill passed to simplify indictments in
cases of murder and homicide by leav-
ing ont all supcrfuous and cumbersome
phrases.
CIVIL SERVICE.
Cutie lively debate grew out OF 4
resolution offered by Mr. Ewart Re
publican) protesting against the repeal
of the civil-service law 1t is quite
lengthy, and Mr.. Ewari, who spoke in
It's support, said that it was based upon
President CleveIands letter of accept
ancc. he eulogized Cleveland in the
highest terms. A colored Republican
named Williamson expressed his disgust
at civil service and said he believed in
the spoils system. Some Democrats
construed the resolution to be fling at
Senator Vance, who Is endaayOring to
abolish civil service, and on this ground
said they would not support it. None
Of the Democrats opposed tn" civil-s'r-
vice system, and some spoke warmly in
its favor. After the debate had pro-
ceedcd some time Mr.. Pearson intro
duced a much milder resolution as
substitute. 1t endorsed civil service,
but stated that some reform was need
ed. Finally the vote was taken on Mr.
Pcarson's resolution. 1t was defeated
by a vote of-ayes u, noes 90. The
house then adjourned. Mr.. Ewart's
resolution will be adopted tomorrow,
it is understood.
TIE INCREASE or The SUPREME COURT
A special order in the House to-mor-
row is Mr.. Overman's bill to so amen |
the Constitution as TO allow the election
of two additional justices Of the Su
preme Court, thus increasing the num-
Der to five. This is very proper bill,
and a great injustice has Tor years been
done the court by the failure or neglect
of legislatures to pass such bill. The
State Ear Association declared 10y a
unanimous vote its desire for such an
increase One bill for the increase WAS
unfayorably reported by the judiciary
Committee Saturday, and was tabled.
1t remains to be seen whether this one
Will have better fate. Mr Oyerman,
enc of the best reasOncrs and most in
fucntial men in the House, will urge
It's passage.
THEATRICAL NEWS.
Tucker Hall is one OF the best known
theatres in the State, and iswell known
totbeatrical people and 10 theatre-goers
al over this State Next month it, eN-
istcncc az q theatre ceases, and it will
he converted into store. The hall
was built in 1866, and was at that time
one of the finest in the State. II is
very probable that the closing OF this
theatre will result in the erection Of an
opera-housc here. There has all the
time been need for such building,
rud last year plans were prepared.
THE JAILs OF THE STATE
ere reported by the State Board Of
Health to be in lad order, from SAM
tary standpoint. There are ninety jails
now, six counties being without them.
IN the ninety iails $40 prisoners are re-
ported TO he imprisoned. As many
counties failed to report it is fair to
double this number, making $50 in all
the iails. In quite a number OF coun-
ties there are no boards OF health
lamentable oversight or neglect on the
part of the authorities.
THE CONTESTED ELECTION CASE
from Craven county continues to attract
many people each day to the State Ii
brary, where the House Committee on
I Privileges aud Elections meets. Over
fifty witnesses have thus far been ex-
ahmed either for Lane, the sitting
member, or Hussey, the contestant.
General Robert Ransom was a witness
for Lane. He testified that at the clec-
ton the negro Republicans were very
open in Their intimidation of negroes
who desired to vote the Democratic Tor
Coalition) ticket, and he instanced Che
case of an aged paralytic VINO WIS great
" intimidated and personally threat
cncd. II WAS for such intimidation, nj
the polls and elsewhere, that the County
Board of Canvassers threw ont the
votes cast at James City precinct,
and thus gave the Democrats the
seats. That precinct is an abominable
place, perhaps the worst in the State.
1t had been openly said that no negro
dared vote the Democratic ticket AMI
live there. The negro Republicans told
the women that the men who were can
wasting the school district to obtain the
names of children of school age only
wished TO get those names 80 as to bind
the children out and make them slaves.
Believing this, the women actually APP
peared at the polls in arms, and most
of the men were similarly prepared 10
attack any person who dared to vote
the Coalition ticket. There was wild
scene at the polls-cursing and fighting
and threats of death TO thosa who voted
anything save the straight Republican
ticket. Votes cast there were in
many cases, therefore, cast Illegally,
because cast under Gear. This is what
the Democrats show, and il is in the
line of General Ransom's evidence.
This statement in regard 10 the in
vestigation is OF special interest for one
thing at Ieast--it reveals the manner OF
the Radicals in conducting elections
That party in this State has always been
clamorous in its cry for free elections,
yet at a precinct where it has full swing
Il is absolutely so unfair rs TO actually
threaten with death any voters whodare
TO take different view. Bear In mind.
too. that the actors in this political ont